Coloring Eggs

This year we went to some friends house for Easter, we loving visiting with them because we always have a great time; and they do everything over the top. It is always super fun! Well we were asked to bring real eggs for the Easter egg hunt; we've tried real eggs in the past but with our children so small most of them end up cracked and smooshed before they even get hid. So this year we did eggs the day before Easter in hopes most of them would make it till Sunday. Saturday morning the kids went to our local community egg hunt. It was so cold, and there was snow on the ground but the kids enjoyed themselves anyway.

I love this picture of Wyatt. He is so excited. This is the finished product. We did walk away with 24 non-broken eggs to take to our party. The kids dyed all of them and couldn't have looked more proud.

I love the concentration. Russ helped Wyatt and I helped Evan. Wyatt was able to be way more involved this year, and loved being able to color his own eggs.

Evan needed even less help; it's amazing how fast there growing up. He had some good looking eggs and loved putting the stickers on them once they were dry.

Dad getting ready to help, It was so hard to keep them un-involved long enough to get a starting photo. They were so excited, and had a great time coloring Easter eggs for their party.

The Dentist

Evan and Wyatt had their first dental appointment this past month.... and did GREAT! I was more than nervous about how they would react but they did awesome. Evan's preschool had taken a field trip to the dentist a few weeks before so he was a little bit aware of what was going to happen. Wyatt is still young enough to not let fear stop him from doing what his brother does. We picked a dentist in Monticello, and on the drive up we talked about what would happen. How the dentist was going to clean their teeth, count and look at all their teeth to make sure they were growing right, and check for cavity bugs. Wyatt was the first to be brave and jumped up in the chair and opened right up. For some reason he wouldn't keep his shirt down and just kept rubbing his belly during the cleaning.He is so tiny that it almost looked like he was going to fall out of the "magic chair." He chose bubblegum toothpaste and let the hygienist brush all his teeth, he also let her floss them as well. She then checked for cavities and did fluoride........this was his least favorite part. I think this is the worst part of all anyway; but the tray also looked so big for his little mouth that I think it was hard for him not to gag on the tray. He hung in there for the whole time though and was more than happy with the new toothbrush, sponge- bob toothpaste, flossers, balloon animals, and toys they gave him after.

He came out cavity free, and having had a good experience. The dentist said his 2 year old molars were coming in and that his teeth looked perfect.

Don't let the smile fool you. Evan was quite a bit more reserved than Wyatt was. He had a hard time getting up in the chair, and cooperating with the hygienist. After a lot of persuading and seeing all the "perks" Wyatt got; he decide to at least try.

He let the hygienist clean, floss, and examine his teeth.

He actually ended up having 2 cavities that needed to be filled. The dentist double checked and confirmed that he'd need to come back. We went back a week later and got them filled. Either I remember getting a filling a lot worse or the times have changed because the experience for him was so much fun. Once we got him in the chair and got the "happy gas" going he was able to relax and let the dentist do his work. He was a little loopy which as a mom was fun to watch. He loves to tell people how the dentist cleaned out his cavity bugs and how he got to bite on the "butterfly wings."

He too hated the fluoride; but he did like using "Mr. Thirsty" to suck up his spit.

They did great and I couldn't be prouder. They are pretty good about brushing their teeth at home too; so I really couldn't ask for more.

Wrestling

Evan had his first wrestling season this year. Wrestling is quite the legacy in Russell's family so naturally we hoped our kids would at least try it out. Evan had a good first season going to 2 tournaments and numerous practices. He liked getting out to exercise, playing with the other kids, and dodge ball that was played after each practice. He didn't really like the actual wrestling part. I think if he does it next year he'll be a little bit better prepared and enjoy it more seeing as he'll be one of the bigger kids in his division as opposed to one of the youngest.

My Boys- Evan was trying out his "mean" face

Getting ready to wrestle.

As you can see for his age it's just fun and less sport. He did get a few bumps and bruises and didn't appreciate being pinned; but he did like the overall experience, and he loved the medal he received in Monticello.

Cheez'in it for the camera!

Time Out

I know this is probably not the best post but I just couldn't help myself. Wyatt has been so excited about being sent to the corner for a "time out." I think his excitement extends from the fact that up until this point only Evan has gone to time-out. We're hitting a strong phase where Wyatt wants to do everything Evan does.... hence the appeal.

He got in trouble (I think it was spitting) and I warned him if he did it again that he'd be sent to time out. Well of course he did it, and had to go to time out.
He was so excited, stood at strict attention, and didn't move an inch until his time was up. When he was done we talked about his behavior, said sorry, hugged and kissed and that was that. It was the most fun thing to watch though because it was almost a right of passage for him. He was so proud and loved every second of it, (kind of defeating the purpose.)

New Bed

I think Wyatt could be my little baby forever. He is just the most fun baby and I've loved this phase for him. However as with everything; especially a new baby on the way; it couldn't last forever. He is growing up and more independent these days than ever. We decided to upgrade him from his crib to a big boy bed. He loves it and was so excited to have his own bed that he could jump and play on.

Taking down the old crib. Daddy had the best little helpers.

Putting up Wyatt's new bed.

Trying out the "bounce" factor of his new mattress. That was probably his favorite part of the whole process was being able to jump on his bed like they jump on Evan's bed.

Getting ready to be tucked in. The excitement wore off shortly after it got dark and it was bedtime. The first couple of nights were hard. Without his crib to "cage" him in he had a hard time staying in his bed to go to sleep. After those two nights, and ever since, he has loved sleeping in his bed. Which has been nice because I think all parents love sleeping children.

Suprise or Not?

I know some of you know; but others may not so I just wanted to make it official: We're PREGNANT! I am due the first week in August but so far I've never made it 40 weeks so I'm hoping for the end of July. We are having a girl this time, which we are super excited about. I am doing good and feeling fine. According to the Dr. the baby is great also. She is quite the mover and so far hasn't given me too much trouble. That could change very quickly though. :)

Evan and Wyatt are really excited for the new baby, and She has already taken a very strong hold on Daddy's heart.

Let It Snow

This year Blanding had one of the best years ever for snow. We really were blessed this past winter with moisture. By the time Russ had shoveled it all he would probably argue for a curse more than a blessing; but when you live where we do we'll take all the water we can get. Luckily the kids both got new snow stuff for Christmas and they were outfitted for such a harsh winter. They loved the snow. Wyatt loved to eat it and throw snowballs, and Evan loved sledding and attempted a snowman a few times. The snowman was tricky because the snow was so soft and deep that neither Russ or I could walk on top without sinking through to the bottom which for him and I was at least waist deep. So only Evan and Wyatt could walk on the top and trying to explain how to build a snowman to a 3 year old without being able to show him was a little tricky. Luckily his cousins came over to help shovel off the roof and while they were here my niece was able to help him get one built.

This is the tree out side our front porch. It was so pretty because the trees were so heavy with snow that they just drooped over until they rested on the top of the snow.

In this picture you can see the snow piling up. If you look close you can see the top of our trailer almost covered in snow; and off to the right is our 4 wheeler submerged underneath.

Poor Abby, who loves to be outside, had to "melt" in the tub whenever she came back inside. She is a house dog but still has to go out to go the bathroom. The snow would ball up around her fur and would freeze. If you pulled on the balls it would rip her fur out, so she had to melt each time she came back in.
After we shoveled off our roof it created a mound right outside our door. Evan would climb up the mound from the porch and then sled off into our front yard. He had a great time because he was able to do it by himself.

Christmas

Family traditions are starting to be more important to me every year. One that I love is going to cut down our Christmas tree every year. I love being together as a family and enjoying an un-interupted day with them as we pick out, cut down, and decorate our tree each year.

The Keith Family Christmas Tree! Evan got the chance to pick out our tree this year. He did a great job. He was very particular and took a lot of time in choosing the perfect one. He helped Daddy cut it down and then helped carry it to the car. Luckily we went on a warm day so our only discouragement was the setting sun. These are my favorite Christmas pictures. I love pics of my kids sleeping. I always try to take a couple pictures on Christmas morning. They don't appreciate the flash at all but it is only once a year so they tolerate it. This year Russ and I woke up before the kids (we get just as excited to see them as bigger kids do for Christmas day) I love early Christmas morning when it is quite and the lights are on the tree before all the hustle and bustle starts; I love to just sit and listen to the quiet, smell the tree, and enjoy the peace I feel. When Russ and I can't wait any longer we go and get the kids and new excitement starts to replace the quiet calm. Do you think he's been naughty or nice? The boy's taking in all that Santa left for them. You can tell Evan is excited, I love it.

Mommy helping Wyatt open his stocking stuffers.

Grandma Kathleen helping Evan with bubbles. Abby was trying to sneak in a peek too.

Wyatt enjoying his new "gugga" (Blanket) and duck.

Uncles helping Wyatt get some more gifts open. Wyatt got a new hat from Uncle Jason and to this day he wears it at least once a day. It was one of his favorite gifts ever.

Enjoying the day together is probably my favorite feeling of the day. I am so grateful for my own family, and the moments we get to share together. Christmas this year was a great time for us to be together. I am glad that each year we get to celebrate our Savior and the great feelings that come when we allow him to touch our lives and the lives of our families.

Halloween and Turkey Day

Evan's FAVORITE holiday is Halloween. He looks forward to it every year. Of course we did pumpkins. He got to clean and cut his own this year. I helped him with the face but he put a lot of little knife marks in it; which when it was lit up created a super cool effect on the face of the pumpkin.

Getting ready to take out the guts.

Wyatt was a little less than interested. He liked to take the insides and eat them as opposed to throwing them out. He did like the feeling and Russ helped him put a face on his pumpkin as well.

Mom and Evan working on cutting out their pumpkins. Evan's hair is white because he had his school Halloween party earlier that day and was allowed to dress up; it was part of his costume.

Wyatt getting ready to attack his pumpkin.
This year Evan was a ghost, I made his costume which I didn't think would be that hard but seriously, I stressed over it more than was needed. He loved it and had a great time. He had a party at his school, we went to the carnival at the college, (he won 3 bottles of pop in the ring toss); and we topped it off with a Halloween party at our house and trick or treating. Wyatt was a Vampire. He looks so sad/mad in this photo. It was a long day to say the least and he hated wearing the cape. This was the best picture we got. I made his costume as well. He liked the fish pond at the carnival, and liked trick or treating until it got cold. Evan and Mom trick or treating, If you look close you can see Abby in the basket of the stroller. She came with us but was too distracted by all the other children to focus on walking so finally I decided to put her in the basket. Luckily she stayed and just enjoyed the ride.
The kids in their costumes before trick or treating. Jason dressed up as Bruce Lee and I also dressed up as a she-devil. Halloween was great and Evan has already started talking about trick or treating again this year. Hopefully Wyatt will like it more this year too; maybe a change in costume will lift his spirits.

For Thanksgiving we went to Russ' Grandparents house in Monument Valley. We had a great time and I met most of Russell's mothers family; most of whom I'd never met. This is a picture of Russ' family. We had fun however Evan got sick on the way down, so did Abby. So the drive was less than fun but we made it and luckily the kids slept the whole way home.
This year I was asked to make the pies for dessert. It was great. I made 10 pies for the occasion; a feat which until attempted I didn't know was possible. This picture was taken outside of Monument Valley, and holds everything that I am most grateful for.